What to do in Brussels this summer? Here are our must-see activities

This summer, the Bruxellons! Festival returns from July 9 to September 20, 2026, at the Château du Karreveld in Molenbeek, with about a hundred performances combining theater and musicals. Don’t miss: *Kinky Boots*, a joyful, feel-good pop musical that celebrates diversity, solidarity, and the courage to be yourself, set to Cyndi Lauper’s explosive music! An unmissable cultural event in a lush green setting in the heart of Brussels.

From July 18 to August 23, 2026, the Foire du Midi returns to Boulevard du Midi with 130 attractions blending tradition and modernity, for the whole family to enjoy. A wonderful opportunity to (re)discover a festive atmosphere and time-honored traditions right in the heart of Brussels.

Among the events to watch out for this summer in Brussels, the traveling exhibition “Harry Potter: The Exhibition” at Brussels Expo promises an immersive journey into the world of the saga, featuring recreated sets, original costumes, and interactive installations. It’s the perfect experience for die-hard fans and true Muggles alike—and it’s sure to be a hit no matter your age. We’re already hopping on our Nimbus 2000!

Just 30 minutes from Brussels, the IJsestrand in Overijse offers a true vacation vibe without having to drive to the coast. This pop-up beach set up on the edge of the pond invites you to alternate between swimming (if water quality permits), relaxing on the sand, picnicking, and outdoor games, with free activities organized every Sunday. An easy, refreshing getaway—and completely free —to enjoy sunny days in a different way.

Looking for an activity that’s off the beaten path this summer in Brussels? Dive into the heart of a reenacted investigation and explore the psychological mechanisms of serial killers. Starting July 18, *Mind of a Serial Killer* offers an immersive exhibition featuring a scripted tour with over 20 stops: from the reenactment of a criminal investigationto the psychological analysis of famous cases. It’s the perfect way to delve into the minds of history’s most notorious serial killers. Just what you need to send a chill down your spine on a hot summer day…

On July 21, 2026, Brussels will celebrate National Day in grand style: family-friendly activities at Brussels Park, a military parade, the Resto National in the Marolles, and a major free concert at the Cinquantenaire featuring Loïc Nottet, Hamza, Daan, and many others. The festivities begin the day before with the National Ball on Place du Jeu de Balle. A lively, festive atmosphere will culminate in a spectacular fireworks display to close out this day decked out in black, yellow, and red.

Head to Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition at Brussels Expo to dive into the heart of Tutankhamun’s tomb thanks to an immersive and interactive experience unique to Brussels! On the agenda: a multisensory journey featuring 360º projections, 6-meter-high walls, reenactments, virtual reality, and interactive exhibits for all ages. Duration of the experience: approximately 60–90 minutes. Pssssst! Here’s a little insider tip: it’s the perfect activity to do when it’s hot out.

From July 2 to 19, 2026, Quai d’Été transforms the Quai des Péniches into a vibrant, free urban village—perfect for those spending the summer in Brussels. Workshops, DJ sets, musical cruises, kids’ parties, and community dances bring this festive and eco-friendly spot to life. Between relaxing by the water and dancing on a floating dance floor, this is the event you won’t want to miss if you want to enjoy summer in a whole new way.

Want to extend summer under the palm trees… without leaving Brussels? From August 28 to 30, Fiesta Latina Summer 2026 transforms the Parc du Cinquantenaire into a true slice of Latin America. On the program: four stages filled with reggaeton, salsa, bachata, and baile funk; over 90 food trucks and street markets to take your taste buds on a journey; dance classes to learn a few samba or salsa steps; and even lucha libre demonstrations featuring their impressive masked wrestlers. Three days of music, flavors, and good vibes that promise to put Brussels in a Latin mood.

Just 45 minutes from Brussels, Louvain-la-Neuve is once again getting ready to take on the atmosphere of a giant seaside resort. Starting June 26, 2026, hundreds of metric tons of sand will fill the Grand-Place to bring Louvain-la-Plage to life — an event that has become a must-see for anyone dreaming of a vacation without leaving Belgium.

Looking for a summer activity in Brussels that’s truly different? Want to lose your bearings a little? To escape reality for a day, head to WOM (World of Mind), a museum of optical illusions and mesmerizing sets where children can test the limits of their perception and sharpen their seven senses through mind-blowing interactive installations. It’s also the perfect refuge when temperatures rise, keeping everyone cool and comfortable.

Hidden parks, little-known squares, abbey gardens, schoolyards, and even rugby fields will be transformed this summer into true open-air movie theaters. The festival also highlights Brussels’ cultural diversity with a program featuring films from all corners of the world, blending socially conscious films, human dramas, heartfelt comedies, and gems of Mediterranean cinema. For this 26th edition, some films will also be preceded by Belgian short films selected in collaboration with the Brussels Short Film Festival.

They’re back—the ever-popular Candlelight concerts! Returning with a lineup that’s more dazzling than ever. This summer, on August 29, in a beautifully decorated Concert Noble, you can choose between Coldplay vs. Imagine Dragons—a showdown—and Queens, for a memorable evening of music, enhanced as always by the flickering glow of thousands of candles.

What could be better than soaking up the sun on a rooftop with a breathtaking view of the city? Whether it’s for an after-work get-together with colleagues, drinks with friends, or quality time with family, Brussels’ rooftops are more than ever sought-after aerial retreats. Bruxelles Secrète has put together a selection of the 8 must-visit rooftops to discover (or rediscover) this summer.

An immersive journey through Banksy’s work on a life-size scale. For an unmissable cultural outing this summer, the Banksy Museum offers a permanent immersive exhibition housed in a former 900 m² textile factory. The exhibition showcases Banksy’s work on an XXL scale and is sure to delight all street art enthusiasts. Bonus: it’s nice and cool inside!

No need to leave Brussels to treat yourself to a green getaway this summer. On the edge of the Sonian Forest, Drohme Park has just opened a brand-new attraction designed for families, groups of friends, and outdoor enthusiasts. Its name? Drohme Adventure, an adventure golf course that reinvents mini-golf in an exceptional natural setting.

Choco-Story is a museum tracing the history of Belgian chocolate: a fun and interactive tour, workshops, and , of course, tastings. Under the expert guidance of a master chocolatier, you’ll even learn how to make treats like chocolate lollipops. A delicious activity to enjoy with family, friends, as a couple, or even on your own—perfect for the biggest foodies among you!

Since the start of summer, the open-air cafés have come back to life, and glasses are clinking in the sunshine. People gather there with friends or family, cocktails in hand, to fully enjoy the long summer evenings. Discover our selection of open-air cafés you won’t want to miss!

Its magnificent Art Nouveau building, photographed thousands of times a year, houses an extraordinary collection of hundreds of musical instruments dating from all eras and originating from every continent. The absolute must-see? Its indispensable audio guide, featuring recordings of nearly 300 musical instruments that you can listen to as you stroll through the four levels. Traditional instruments from around the world, a collection of harpsichords and wind instruments, Western musical art, a room dedicated to mechanical instruments… Music, maestro!

Every two years, the Belgian capital is transformed into a vast carpet of flowers for the FlowerCarpet. This spectacular feat is achieved in just a few hours thanks to the passion and coordination of 120 dedicated volunteers. And for its 24th edition this year, the floral event will put Japan in the spotlight, 10 years after the first collaboration between Belgium and the Land of the Rising Sun. Get ready to experience a unique and colorful display from August 13 to 16!

When it’s too hot to step outside, opt for an indoor activitythat gets your adrenaline pumping: head to the Challenge Lab, in the heart of Brussels. Step into a post-apocalyptic laboratory where science and adrenaline collide. In teams of 2 to 6 players, navigate through 7 rooms filled with technological challenges, combining lasers, sensors, and physical and mental tasks. Work together to foil an evil scientist’s plan in 60 intense minutes.

Every summer, the sky over Hotton transforms into a true live spectacle during the Hottolfiades. For three days, about fifty hot-air balloons color the horizon at sunrise and sunset, offering one of Belgium’s most beautiful aerial spectacles. And once your eyes return to earth, it’s time for concerts, a craft market, family-friendly activities, and food trucks to keep the party going in a super-friendly atmosphere.

Every Thursday evening this summer, Les Escales Estivales transforms a hidden garden in Anderlecht into a musical journey to the four corners of the world. Cuban salsa, Tuareg blues, flamenco, Balkan rhythms, or Latin American sounds: each concert invites you on a journey in a relaxed atmosphere, complete with lounge chairs, food, a bar, and a kids’ area. All for a pay-what-you-want price (starting at €4), making it one of the best ways to spend the long summer evenings in Brussels.

If you thought cider was just an autumn drink, POMPOMPOM will change your mind. For three days, the Vaux Hall brings together about twenty Belgian and European producers. They’ll introduce us to amazing artisanal ciders, to be enjoyed between concerts, DJ sets, and great food. The atmosphere is festive, admission is free, and the setting… Right in the heart of the Royal Park! This is definitely one of the most refreshing events of late summer.

When Brussels is sweltering in the heat, head to the Belgian coast for a breath of sea air and a cocktail with your feet in the sand. From Knokke to De Haan via Blankenberge, the beach bars compete with comfortable lounge chairs, tropical vibes, and breathtaking views of the North Sea. Whether you’re in the mood for a sunset aperitif, tapas with friends, or a lazy day by the water, here are our favorite spots, which turn a simple trip to the beach into a true summer getaway.